Jewish activism starts in the mind.

Inspired by the classic Jewish “Vaadim” (Committees) of Europe, the Vaad at Yale is an experiential learning project designed to explore the timeless Jewish model of character refinement, ethics and psychology.

The Vaad meets weekly on Monday evenings. The first hour of each session is a mixture of lecture, discussion, and opportunities for personal creative expression. Topics include Jewish insights on happiness, courage, inner calm, knowledge and humor.

The second hour is devoted to hearing from outside speakers from around the U.S. and Israel. Speakers have included an indie folk-rock singer/Kabbalah expert, an Oxford-educated literature professor from Bar Ilan University, a black-belt karate rabbi, an Emmy Award-winning Hollywood comedy writer, and influential figures in the worlds of medicine, business, education and law. Each brings his or her unique perspective to the concept of Jewish activism.

Students participate in small ethical exercises that help transform the philosophical discussions into reality. The program also includes an off-campus Shabbat excursion (a welcomed respite from campus with great company and home-cooked meals) and a Sunday field trip to New York City. Students are granted a stipend upon completion of the program.

The Vaad provides a dynamic, interactive and intimate environment to discover the secrets of Jewish wisdom, and a comfortable space in which to share your thoughts amongst like-minded students from both Yale College and the Graduate/Professional Schools.